As a devoted pet owner, you strive to provide nothing but the utmost care and well-being for your beloved furry companion. You want your dog to have a healthy and happy life full of energy, vitality, and joy. That's why choosing the right dog kibble is one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet. And when it comes to quality dog food, First Mate Pet Food is a brand that you can trust. In this blog post, we will delve into the history and story of First Mate Pet Food, why we decided to carry it at Braxton's, and what sets the brand apart from its competitors.
Origin Story
Established in Chilliwack in 1989, First Mate is a family-owned business, founded by Michael Florian. Although First Mate Pet Foods has been in existence for nearly 30 years, its origins lie in the aquaculture industry. Taplow Ventures Ltd., the parent company, was a premier supplier of top-notch aquaculture feed, catering to the salmon farms in the Pacific Northwest. During the early days, the diligent guard dogs on the farms would occasionally indulge in mouthfuls of Taplow food while protecting the stock. The food was of such high quality that the dogs started gaining weight, with their coats becoming lustrous and glossy. In response to the farmers' request, we began crafting a specific food for dogs, utilizing the same exceptional ingredients. And thus, First Mate came into existence. Presently, we continue to produce fish feed, employing the same commitment to quality ingredients as we create products to nourish First Mate customers. The founders saw the need to create pet food that was not only good for animals but also safe, healthy, and ethically sourced. The company started by producing canned dog food and expanded its product line to dry kibble over the years. Today, First Mate is a family-owned business that uses only the best ingredients to create its pet food. Click here to watch a quick video from the makers of First Mate.
Why First Mate Fits at Braxton's
At Braxton's, we carefully choose the products we carry on our shelves based on their quality and reputation. We have been impressed with First Mate Pet Food as it uses only high-quality ingredients, including organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and free-range meats. Not all fish meals are equal in terms of nutritional value. For instance, a fish meal based on catfish may be inexpensive but lacks important fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6, DHA, and EPA due to its low fat content. In contrast, First Mate products utilize whole fish, ensuring superior quality compared to meals made solely from fish heads and frames. While pelagic or ocean fish meals suitable for aquaculture are more costly, First Mate prioritizes using this high-value meal, even though it is not necessary for pets. This reflects their commitment to providing the same nutritional excellence found in their proven aquaculture feed.
What Sets First Mate Apart from Other Foods?
What sets First Mate Pet Food apart from its competitors is its unique recipe that combines a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients without the use of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Their kibble, which has already been cooked and cooled, enters their vacuum infusion system (VIS). Once the kibble is placed inside the vacuum vessel, the air is swiftly removed, creating a vacuum environment within the pellets. At this stage, they introduce a blend of healthy fats and essential oils. This meticulously designed process ensures that every single piece of kibble is thoroughly infused, guaranteeing an even distribution of essential nutrients throughout their finished diets. At First Mate, we are committed to delivering superior quality in every bite.
While the conventional method of incorporating healthy oils and fats into a dry diet involves top coating the kibble and tumbling to mix the oils, we take a unique approach at First Mate. Their essential fats and oils are infused during the final stage of production using a specialized piece of equipment known as a vacuum infusion system (VIS). What sets their brand apart is the partnership we have forged with the Pacific Ocean, which ensures sustainable fishing practices. We firmly believe in ethical sourcing and go to great lengths to ensure that their food is free of harmful additives, gluten-free, and completely GMO-free.
Who is First Mate For?
First Mate Pet Food's award-winning formula appeals to different breeds and ages. Those looking for low-carb, grain-free, hypoallergenic, or weight management diets can easily find what they need. First Mate has also introduced a unique line of diets customized for specific needs. Some of the options on offer include Salmon and Chicken Kibble for healthy skin and fur, Joint Health Dog Food, Chicken Meal with Blueberries, and more.
Choosing the right dog food can make all the difference in your pet's life. First Mate Pet Food is a brand that takes canine nutrition seriously, sourcing its ingredients ethically and sustainably, prioritizing quality and taste. At Braxton's, we're proud to carry First Mate on our shelves and confident that our customers will love it too - their products will not disappoint you. Give your pet the best food, choose First Mate Pet Food, and make sure your pet's mealtime is one of the best moments of their day.